Rep. Towns Hails Official Ending of the War in Iraq

Statement

Rep. Edolphus "Ed" Towns (NY10) issued the following statement today, joining President Barack Obama in welcoming troops home from Iraq, saluting the official end of the war with all troops expected back in the United States by December 31, 2011:

"During the past nine years, more than a million of our brave U.S. servicemen and women fought in the war in Iraq. Nearly 4,500 -- including 189 from the state of New York--made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives and more than 23,000--including 1,425 from New York were wounded. I join all Americans today in honoring their service and sacrifice.

"With the end of the war, we can focus on our nation building at home. It is time we invest in the American people -- creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and building an American future worthy of our veterans' sacrifice.

"We owe much to the men and women who fought to preserve our freedom and liberty and we will honor our sacred trust to our veterans. We will continue to provide all who served with the care and benefits they have earned, while working to ensure they return to good jobs and decent wages as they come home. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind."

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